Moscow, Russia, Nov 22, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Catholic Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, head of the Diocese of the Mother of God in Moscow, says he is certain that problems in the Orthodox-Catholic relationship will be overcome, reported Interfax.

"Respect for the minor flock of Russian Catholics that you displayed during our recent private conversation strengthens my confidence that the misunderstandings and problems existing in our relations will be resolved … and that we are looking forward to fruitful collaboration for our common well being," Archbishop Kondrusiewicz said in a letter to Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad.

He said he is convinced of the need to further develop and strengthen relations between Catholics and Orthodox Christians, whom he described as "brothers in Christ, who are the closest possible in their faith, sacraments, liturgy, and apostolic continuity and whose love is meant to be a true sign for the entire world.”

The archbishop also said he values Metropolitan Kirill's contribution to the development of inter-religious dialogue.